Researchers working at the University of Chile have discovered a molecule that has demonstrated the ability to kill caries-causing Streptococcus mutans, according to an article in Medical Xpress.
The researchers have named the molecule Keep 32, a reference to the number of teeth in the typical human mouth. They are developing a product that, once left in the mouth for 60 seconds, will kill harmful bacteria in the mouth and prevent them from re-establishing a significant presence there for several hours, according to the article.
Efforts are under way to patent the molecule and market it to oral care and food makers. The researchers' work has been funded by the Founder Institute since 2005.
